Thursday, June 21, 2012

I'm leaving San Francisco at the end of July and moving to Philadelphia.

Absurd, right? That's what I thought six months ago when I was approached by Anthropologie about a possible position at their headquarters. I've always loved Anthropologie, ever since I first got my hands on one of their impossibly pretty catalogs when I was a yearning teenager, and I was incredibly flattered that they liked Fancy Fine enough to reach out. But it didn't occur to me at first that I could ever leave this city, my beautiful home, and move across the country for a career. Until it did occur to me, and I accepted the position of Web Visual Experience Manager after visiting the headquarters and falling in love and seeing a place for myself there. How could I say no to that kind of adventure?

I have lived in San Francisco for a decade now, after moving here aged eighteen to attend the San Francisco Art Institute and carve a little corner for myself in the city of my dreams. I have met many wonderful, silly, talented and loving people who I am proud to call my friends. My heart breaks a little bit more every time I think about not being here anymore. I will be leaving behind my handsome man, my family, my friends, and my sweet mint green bedroom... an entire life that I have spent years building.

But I think I'm ready. I am beyond excited about the opportunity to work for a company with such a strong identity. I'm excited to actually begin my career and be part of a team, something I have been lacking while being my own boss. I'm excited to explore a city that is entirely new to me. San Francisco had me for ten years, and now it's Philly's turn for a bit of karaoke-singing, vintage-wearing fanciness.

i know it will be hard to leave that life behind for a little while, but I know you'll fall in love with the East Coast. Not everything is forever, but in the meantime we are gonna hang out! San Frans loss is our gain :)

Good luck! It's such an amazing opportunity and you will love it but it's supper sad you have to leave your family and boyfriend behind. I did a big move to London over a year ago and have adjusted but I was lucky enough to have my boyfriend and dog coco with me. I hope the move goes well. Lots of luck sent your way! x

Congratulations! That sounds completely amazing. And... we'll practically be neighbors. What's up Eastern PA?! A day trip is definitely something we need to discuss. I can show you all the secret vintage spots and amazing flea markets around these parts. Let's talk soon!

Philly has so much charm, I adore it. The transition from San Francisco to Philly won't be too terrible. You will get acquainted with the city in a matter of days (The grid system is so nice). I am sure you will love it! Looking forward to fun vintage Philly posts in the future! Congratulations and good luck to you!

How exciting, Ashley! I'm sure all of your friends are devastated. I hope you don't mind the climate change. :) We will be in neighboring states after your move! Just be sure you get an air conditioner. ;)

i really totally cant wait! i have to say, i am quite surprised you are able to leave san fran, it seems like the perfect place for you with all your lovely friends and adventures. but obviously i am super excited to have you be so close, more ashley in my life, cant think of anything better! i am also going through a lot of changes right now, broke up with the boy, moving to williamsburg at the end of july. as soon as your settled we need to plan trips to our respective cities and love one another unconditionally!

OMG! A new job AND a new city?!How fabulously exciting!And so appropriate for your Saturn Return! I'm ridiculously excited for you!I just hope you find an apartment with as perfect a wardrobe set up as you have now! And that Donut travels well and loves her new home! X

I'm so late to respond to this- I wondered why you were leaving SF. But Anthropologie is a gorgeous company- like you I saved the catalogs, never done that before- they make dressing look like poetry, as do you so the fit is perfect. Good luck in your next adventure. You are talented, gorgeous with a grand sense of style. I bet my last penny you will rise like cream to the top in all your endeavors.